Lubna F. Abu-Niaaj, Ph.D., named 2024 recipient of the President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Achievement
Central State University proudly honors Lubna F. Abu-Niaaj, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Microbiology, as the recipient of the 2024 President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Achievement.
Dr. Abu-Niaaj’s selection for this distinguished award highlights her unwavering dedication to excellence across teaching, research, and service — three foundational pillars of academia. Inspired by her parents, she has embraced a life guided by passion and perseverance.
“I was raised to be dedicated to everything I do and to pursue excellence,” she shared.
Within the Department of Agriculture and Life Sciences at the John W. Garland College of Engineering, Science, Technology, and Agriculture, Dr. Abu-Niaaj’s passion for scientific discovery and student mentorship shines. She emphasizes the importance of involving students in research, empowering them to become solution-driven thinkers. Her contributions reflect strategic planning, collaboration, and resilience, enabling her to balance the demands of her role while securing crucial funding for student engagement.
Among the many challenges she has encountered, one of the most pressing has been limited financial resources for student research participation. To address this, she has proactively secured grants that provide stipends and scholarships, ensuring students have the support needed to engage in meaningful research experiences. This commitment significantly enhances the landscape of student research at CSU.
Inspiring the next generation
Dr. Abu-Niaaj hopes her passion and dedication ignite inspiration in her colleagues and students. She believes that diligence and investment in students yield profound rewards for both individual faculty members and the broader University community.
“This award is an inspiration to my colleagues to keep working hard and to see that investing in students is worthwhile. It also inspires students to pursue excellence and to take pride in their teachers and in CSU as their home Institution,” she said.
As she looks to the future, Dr. Abu-Niaaj remains steadfast in her commitment to advancing Central State’s mission as Ohio’s only public Historically Black University and 1890 Land-Grant Institution. She aims to continue advocating for CSU, fostering national and international collaborations, and securing additional resources to further enhance student learning and research opportunities.
In receiving this prestigious award, Dr. Abu-Niaaj conveyed profound gratitude to her family, mentors, and colleagues, acknowledging their unwavering support.
“I thank my family, especially my parents, for raising me to be dedicated and to believe in myself,” she said. “My family, especially my two college-children, were humbled as well because it was an assurance that their continued support for me was worthwhile.
“I praise God for guiding me and helping me to do work to the best of my ability. I am thankful to God to be surrounded by a great family who sacrifices their time to support me always,” she added.
A well-deserved honor
The President’s Award for Faculty Excellence in Achievement demonstrates Dr. Abu-Niaaj’s remarkable contributions to Central State University. Her passion for student success, scientific exploration, and academic excellence makes her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. CSU celebrates her achievements and looks forward to witnessing her continued impact in shaping the future of microbiology and student research.
Above: Dr. Lubna F. Abu-Niaaj (front) works in the lab with student researchers Monishka Major (back, right) and Melody Arnett. Major, who has worked with Dr. Abu-Niaaj for three years, is a senior majoring in Biology from Nassau, The Bahamas. Arnett is a junior majoring in Biology from Cincinnati, Ohio.
